J-K Govt. to take final call on two-flag order: Jitender Singh

January 1, 2016, 5:19 PM IST

New Delhi : Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitender Singh on Friday said the Jammu and Kashmir Government and its legislature have the prerogative to take a view on the two flag order in the state.

When asked to comment on the stay ordered by a two-judge bench on hoisting of state flag alongside national flag on constitutional buildings, Singh said, “It won’t be right for me to comment on this issue.”

“I am sure the government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the legislature of the state have the prerogative to take a view on these issues and I am also sure that they are capable enough to take a view and proceed accordingly,” he added.

A two-judge bench today stayed its earlier order allowing the state government to use both the tricolour as well as the state flags on official buildings and vehicles.

Earlier on December 27, the court had directed the state government to hoist the state flag, along with the national flag – a decision contested by the BJP, which is a part of the PDP-led regime in the state.

“It connects past with present and future. Flag while reminding us of struggle made by the people and their sacrifices also makes us aware of our aspirations,” the December 27 judgment read.

Underscoring the importance of the state flag, the court said that Jammu and Kashmir is only state in the Union that has its own flag adopted by its Constituent Assembly, and provided in its Constitution.

However, Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister and BJP leader Nirmal Singh had questioned the use of the state flag. He had said earlier this week that no flag could be hoisted at an equal level to the national flag and said the matter will be dealt legally.

The BJP’s stand has riled its ally, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as the opposition National Conference (NC) and other parties, who allege that the saffron party is trying to impose its nationalist agenda on a state with a special status. (ANI)